President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said that his administration would continue to recognise accomplished Nigerian leaders.
The president gave the pledge in Lagos at the launch of a book entitled? “Osoba: The Newspaper Years”, co-written by Messrs Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe on two-time governor of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Jonathan, who spoke through Sen. Ben. Obi, his Special Adviser on Inter-Party Relations, described Osoba as a symbol of excellence.
He lauded Osoba's exploits and noted that he was aptly described as a star reporter whose excellence also made him rise to become a good administrator.
Also speaking, former military President Ibrahim Babangida observed that during his journalism years, Osoba always attempted to be extraordinary and also tried to break new grounds.
Babangida said Osoba created a cutting edge and it was amazing how he was able to balance his intricate love for journalism and at the same time remain a trusted friend.
He said that Osoba enjoyed the confidence of many leaders, such as? the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, retired Gen.
Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Gen. Sani Abacha and the late Chief MKO Abiola and himself (Babangida).
Babangida praised Osoba for his uprightness which, he said, cost him his re-election as governor, but not his life.
He said that the issue of Osoba, the politician, was a topic for another day, noting that he defined governance as a platform for service delivery while in office as? governor.
“In a society where everything goes, a study of Segun Osoba should offer some thought-provoking lessons for upcoming journalists and media practitioners.
“He has discreetly and publicly made a lot of contributions to stability in Nigeria, especially during critical times. He remains one of the most remarkable Nigerians of his generation,’’ he said.
Babangida lauded the authors of the book for the dimension they introduced into biographical documentation by celebrating one of their own.
He, however, said he doubted if a 396 page-book could aptly capture all the details about a “scoopist not a coupist.’’
Babangida also commended Osoba’s wife, Derin, for keeping the home front when Osoba was out doing his job.
Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta praised Osoba for mentoring the writers of the book which, he said, resulted in him being celebrated.
“Osoba is a father to me. At very critical times, he gives me a lot of advice. Let us go back to mentoring processes. We? must mentor those under us,’’ he said.
Uduaghan said that the event was a celebration of the best in journalism and urged journalists to mentor their reporters.
Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun lauded Osoba for being relevant in the state even after leaving office and said his life had motivated many.
The book reviewer, Mr John Momoh, said that the book on Osoba was classic by all standards and was arguably the best ever published work on him.
In his remarks, Osoba, who sang songs of joy, said many people contributed to his being celebrated in the media industry and for what he is today.
He cited retired Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye, who gave him a scoop when the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed was to become Head of State after a coup;? Babangida, who he said, sacked him and re-instated him thrice, and retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former Head of State as being among them.
Osoba said that Babangida also once converted his sack to resignation.
He said that more details about what Babangida did, along with some other details about NADECO, would be revealed in a book he would write later.
Osoba said he was part of Babangida’s kitchen cabinet.
The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, thanked all who came to honour Osoba who, he said, was worthy of the honour.
The News? Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that apart from Babangida and Abdulsalami, the Head of? the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, was also in attendance.
State governors, party leaders, media moguls and politicians also graced the book launch. (NAN)